longspur

[ lawng-spur, long- ]

noun

1. any of several fringillid birds of the genus Calcarius of tundra or prairie regions of North America, characterized by a long spurlike hind claw on each foot.

longspur

/ ˈlɒŋˌspɜː /

noun

1. any of various Arctic and North American buntings of the genera Calcarius and Rhyncophanes, all of which have a long claw on the hind toe

Word History and Origins

Origin of longspur¹

First recorded in 1825–35; long ¹ + spur ¹

Example Sentences

Among the species which thus modify their habits are the red crossbill, the redpoll, the Lapland longspur, and the snowy owl.

From Project Gutenberg

The finest singing bird in the country is the Lapland longspur.

From Project Gutenberg

The increase of juveniles there caused the longspur to be the most common bird in the field (50 per cent in abundance).

From Project Gutenberg

This longspur nest, among polygons of low hummocks, was bordered by mosses and grasses nine inches high.

From Project Gutenberg

Although the longspur on the Arctic Slope is the most common bird, it is absent from some areas there.

From Project Gutenberg